Oven Baked Salmon in Foil

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Oven Baked Salmon in Foil is a total lifesaver when you’re short on time but still want to serve up a healthy and tasty meal for your family. With this recipe, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time, and cleanup is a breeze! Our sockeye salmon recipe is glazed with honey and garlic and then steamed in foil in under 30 minutes. It will quickly become a family favorite!

spatula picking up salmon fillet topped with lemon

This baked salmon in foil recipe is not only delicious, but also nutritious! Salmon offers SO many health benefits for both kids and adults.

For kids, salmon is an excellent source of protein for growth and development. It also provides omega-3 fatty acids, which are critical for brain development and cognitive function.

Parents can also benefit from these nutrients by including salmon into their meal routine. The omega-3s contribute to cardiovascular health and have been shown to lower blood pressure, decrease triglyceride levels and improve cholesterol.

You’ll also find that salmon is packed with vitamin D and vitamin B12. Both of these nutrients can be helpful to combat fatigue and support a busy lifestyle. So, if you are juggling the demands of daily life, take advantage of the benefits by eating more salmon.

For more nutrient rich dinner recipes, be sure to incorporate Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad Recipe, Easy Butternut Squash Soup and Healthy Chicken Alfredo into the rotation.

olive oil, lemon, salt, garlic, herbs, pepper, honey and a salmon fillet on a countertop

Table of Contents

Ingredients

Salmon fillet – you can use skin on or skin off fillets. We find skin-on adds another layer of flavor while also helping the fish to retain moisture. If fearful of drying out the salmon during cooking, opt for skin-on fillets. If you prefer to not eat the skin, simply slide a knife or spatula between the skin and flesh after cooking to lift it off then discard.
Honey – the sweetness of the honey is a nice contrast to the savory salmon. It can be swapped with agave nectar, maple syrup or molasses if desired. For a completely different flavor profile, swap with teriyaki sauce or melted butter.
Garlic, salt and pepper – these three spices complement the honey and can be added as directed or to preference.
Fresh herbs and lemon slices – while optional, they are highly recommended. The herbs and lemon provide a boost of flavor that is irresistible. For herbs, consider fresh thyme, parsley, dill or rosemary.

How to Bake Salmon

Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Prep the salmon. In a small mixing bowl combine the honey, garlic, salt, and pepper. Place the salmon fillet on a large piece of aluminum foil on a baking tray. Using a basting brush, spread the honey mixture onto the salmon. If using, add the fresh herbs and lemon slices. Gently fold the foil over the salmon keeping it tented and not tight against the salmon.
Bake. Bake for 12-15 minutes depending on the thickness of the fillet. Carefully open the foil and turn the oven to broil. Broil for 3-5 minutes or until the outside of the salmon starts to turn golden brown. Take care not to overcook.

raw salmon fillet on foil topped with lemon slices and herbs

Helpful Tips for Cooking Salmon

Select salmon fillets with a vibrant color and moist flesh. Avoid slimy fish with a fishy odor or spots of discoloration.
If cooking skin on fillets, place the salmon skin-side down on the foil. This will help the skin to become crispy.
Add multiple salmon fillets to the sheet pan if feeding a crowd. Avoid overcrowding by placing a single fillet per piece of foil. If needed, use multiple baking sheets. You may need to adjust the total cooking time depending on how many fillets are being cooked.
Allow the cooked salmon to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep the fish moist and juicy.
Experiment with different spices, seasoning blends, herbs, sauces and dry rubs. From this honey baked salmon to a savory or spicy salmon, season to meet any taste preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long to bake salmon at 375°F?

Bake for 12-15 minutes depending on the thickness of the fillet. We recommend to finish cooking by opening the foil and broiling for 3-5 minutes.

How to tell when salmon is done?

As salmon cooks, the flesh will turn to a lighter pink color indicating it is fully cooked. The flesh should also easily separate into flakes when pierced with a fork. For best results, insert a kitchen thermometer into the thicket part of the salmon filet. The internal temperature should reach a minimum of 135°F.

Is it better to cook salmon in foil or not?

The aluminum foil is not a requirement to cook salmon, but it does have its advantages. The foil helps the salmon to retain moisture and trap more flavor than when cooked without. Salmon also won’t stick to the baking sheet so cleanup is much easier. If you cook without foil, be sure to grease the baking sheet and monitor the cooking time. Salmon cooked without foil can cook quicker.

What is the difference between wild-caught and farm-raised salmon?

Wild-caught salmon and farm-raised do differ in several ways such as their source, taste, texture and nutritional profile. Let this information be a guide to determine the best type of salmon for your family. Wild-caught salmon is caught in their natural habitat so they live and feed in the wild. Farm-raised, on the other hand, is salmon that has been raised in controlled environments and is typically fed a controlled diet. Wild-caught will have a richer, more varied flavor whereas farm-raised tend to be milder in flavor. Lastly, wild-caught salmon is often considered more nutrient-dense because of the diverse diet compared to farm-raised.

What to Serve with Foil Baked Salmon

Vegetables: roasted, grilled, steamed or air fried veggies complement salmon nicely. We especially enjoy drizzling asparagus or broccoli with olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper to roast alongside the salmon in a separate foil pack.
Rice or Quinoa: serve foil baked salmon over a bed of fluffy white rice or nutty quinoa. You can season the grains with the same herbs and lemon juice or drizzle with olive oil.
Potatoes: creamy mashed potatoes or roasted red potatoes are comforting sides that are also kid-approved. You can make a classic recipe or opt to mix in roasted garlic or shredded cheese.
Pasta: a refreshing cold pasta salad is also a delicious option. For a lower carb version, consider spaghetti squash drizzled with a zesty dressing.
Fruit: a vibrant fruit salad made with pineapple, watermelon, kiwi, peaches, apples or your kids’ favorite fruits is a great option that pairs well with the honey glaze on the salmon.

large salmon fillet topped with lemon slices on foil

Ways to Enjoy Leftover Salmon

Leftover salmon can be reheated or enjoyed chilled.

To reheat, thaw frozen salmon completely in the fridge overnight then use an oven or microwave. The microwave is a quick way to heat in 30-second intervals; however, be cautious not to overheat. If using an oven, preheat to 275°F then place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil to keep moist then heat for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

Here are a few tasty ideas to make the most of your leftovers:

Salmon Salad: Flake the salmon on a bed of leafy greens mixed with chopped vegetables and drizzled with a dressing.
Salmon Tacos: Wrap the salmon in corn tortillas or lettuce leaves then top with diced avocado and mango.
Salmon Sandwich: Create a sandwich or wrap by layering salmon with lettuce, tomato and any dressing.
Salmon Grain Bowl: Create a grain bowl by mixing leftover salmon with cooked rice or quinoa then add sauteed veggies.
Salmon Pasta: Toss flaked salmon with cooked pasta and marinara, alfredo or a pesto-style sauce for a delicious pasta dish.

Storage Instructions

To store, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container after letting it cool to room temperature. All leftovers should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking and consumed within 3-4 days for the best flavor and texture.

To extend the shelf life, consider freezing the leftover salmon. If freezing, label with the date to keep track of its freshness as this recipe will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Kids In The Kitchen

Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.

This recipe uses fresh garlic cloves that will need to be peeled and minced. To do this, start by placing the cloves in a small Ziploc bag and rubbing your hands together for a few minutes. Then, remove from the bag and peel any leftover skin. Next, place the cloves in a small but sturdy bowl. Holding a fork with one hand, press down firmly on each clove with the fork. Use your other hand to press on the prongs of the fork carefully. Rock the fork back and forth until the garlic breaks into small pieces.
Once the garlic is minced, mix with the other ingredients to make the honey glaze. Then, spread evenly on the salmon once it is lying flat in the foil on the baking sheet. Continue to brush on the glaze until all is removed from the bowl.
When salmon is done cooking, the color changes from a vibrant color or a lighter pink. The salmon should also flake when pulled with a fork. You can use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the internal temperature is at 135°F. Don’t forget to set your timer when baking salmon to prevent overcooking it!

More Salmon Recipes

CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.

The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.

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Oven Baked Salmon in Foil

Oven Baked Salmon in Foil is a total lifesaver when you're short on time but still want to serve up a healthy and tasty meal for your family. With this recipe, you'll have dinner on the table in no time, and cleanup is a breeze! Our sockeye salmon recipe is glazed with honey and garlic and then steamed in foil in under 30 minutes.

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5 from 1 vote

Prep Time 8

Cook Time 18

Total Time 26

Servings 4

Equipment

Ingredients

2 pound salmon fillet ✅
1 tablespoon honey
6 cloves garlic minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
fresh herbs and lemon slices optional

Instructions

Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Prep the salmon. In a small mixing bowl combine the honey, garlic, salt, and pepper. Place the salmon fillet on a large piece of aluminum foil on a baking tray. Using a basting brush, spread the honey mixture onto the salmon. If using, add the fresh herbs and lemon slices. Gently fold the foil over the salmon keeping it tented and not tight against the salmon.
1 tablespoon honey, 6 cloves garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, fresh herbs and lemon slices, 2 pound salmon fillet ✅
⭐️Bake. Bake for 12-15 minutes depending on the thickness of the fillet. Carefully open the foil and turn the oven to broil. Broil for 3-5 minutes or until the outside of the salmon starts to turn golden brown. Take care not to overcook.

Notes

Select salmon fillets with a vibrant color and moist flesh. Avoid slimy fish with a fishy odor or spots of discoloration.

If cooking skin on fillets, place the salmon skin-side down on the foil. This will help the skin to become crispy.

Add multiple salmon fillets to the sheet pan if feeding a crowd. Avoid overcrowding by placing a single fillet per piece of foil. If needed, use multiple baking sheets. You may need to adjust the total cooking time depending on how many fillets are being cooked.

Allow the cooked salmon to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep the fish moist and juicy.

Experiment with different spices, seasoning blends, herbs, sauces and dry rubs. There are a wide range of flavors that pair well with salmon. From our honey baked salmon to a savory or spicy salmon, season to meet any taste preference.